Kamloops Innovation, a tech-based business accelerator for early-stage startups, announced that Porter, a tech-enabled concerge platform that helps companies manage their day-to-day tasks, is the winner of its Built in Kamloops Contest.

Kamloops Innovation launched the contest in partnership with the City of Kamloops back in April. As the winner, Porter will receive a six-month intensive package that includes $10,000 cash, membership in the Venture Acceleration Program, office space, business coaching, mentorship, and other services.

Kamloops Innovation said Porter was selected from a pool of 40 applicants from eight different countries. Porter launched in 2016 when founder Jonathan Natavio wanted to solve the pain point that office managers and executive assistants experience, as they are often swamped with menial and mundane tasks that take away from other important tasks.

“We’re excited to have Jonathan and his team grow their company to the next stage in Kamloops,” said Lincoln Smith, executive director at Kamloops Innovation. “They’ve seen traction in Vancouver and are now looking to test in different markets.”

“We’re excited to have Jonathan and his team grow their company to the next stage in Kamloops.”

Natavio will begin his six-month residency at Kamloops Innovation in July, where he will be matched with an entrepreneur-in-residence and work on accelerating the business.

“This is a great opportunity for Porter to not only test our platform in a new market but also receive mentorship in a proven Venture Acceleration Program to really accelerate our startup,” said Natavio. “We’re thrilled to be a part of the vibrant Kamloops tech industry and contribute to the community.”

Natavio will start his six-month residency in Kamloops in July, where he will be matched with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Kamloops Innovation, work on accelerating his business, and explore services offered by Kamloops.

Amira Zubairi is a staff writer at BetaKit. As a fourth-year journalism student who has written primarily about entrepreneurship, Amira has developed a growing interest in Canadian startup, business, and tech news. In her free time, Amira enjoys reading, baking and watching legal shows.